In recent years, there has been a growing recognition regarding the importance of walkability in urban design. Walking, as the most common form of physical activity, has gained recognition for its numerous benefits. While walkability has been extensively studied by urban designers, there is a gap in understanding how to promote and enhance walkability in suburban areas. The United States has historically prioritized car-centric transportation systems, resulting in less developed infrastructure for walking and cycling. Although efforts have been made in recent years to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, there is still much progress needed to elevate the country's standing. The City of Alexandria, Virginia, boasts a diverse population and is known for its unique neighborhood called Old Town. Old Town is widely recognized for its high level of walkability, characterized by streets that are designed to prioritize pedestrians, creating a welcoming environment that encourages social interaction and a strong sense of community. However, in the suburban areas surrounding Old Town, there is a notable lack of walkability. This study look at challenges and opportunities in promoting walkability in a suburban area of Alexandria. By examining the specific context of Alexandria, This thesis aims to create a more walkable environment in an area that currently focuses on cars. The goal is to create more livable and pedestrian-friendly suburban environments that encourage walking and bicycling, and support the well-being of residents. / Master of Science / In recent times, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the value in designing cities that prioritize walkability and placing pedestrians' needs. Walking, which is the most popular way to stay active, has been recognized for its numerous benefits for our health and well-being. However, when it comes to making suburban areas more walkable, there is still a lot we don't fully understand. In the past, many urban designs in the United States have focused on cars, making it challenging for people to walk or cycle comfortably. While efforts have been made to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, European countries are still ahead in terms of walking and cycling rates. The City of Alexandria, located in Virginia, is characterized by its diverse population and renowned for its distinctive neighborhood known as Old Town. Old Town is celebrated for its walkability, with streets that prioritize people over vehicles. IN contrast, the surrounding suburban areas don't enjoy the same level of walkability. This study aims to explore the obstacles and opportunities in making suburban areas more walkable, focusing on Alexandria's context. By implementing design solutions, aim to transform suburban areas into vibrant, pedestrian-friendly communities that promote walking and biking, contributing to the overall well-being of residents.

As architects and planners explore ways to re-introduce housing and attract a stable population into the higher densities of urban environments, the inadequacies of both traditional urban and suburban models of housing become apparent. Issues such as entry, flow of interior space, connection between interior and exterior, dwelling identifiability, relation to the greater urban fabric and others present themselves as fertile territory for re-evaluation. This thesis explores one possible response to issues of residential form and identity in the context of a multi-use building at a prominent urban intersection. While the basic physical form of this project responds to the programatic needs of housing, allowing it to function in an efficient manner, the expression of this form attempts to speak to the individual acts of moving through and living in these dwellings. It is in elevating these activities of daily life beyond merely serving a utilitarian function that architecture finds its place; empowering them to ignite our spirits and enrich our souls. This is where architecture begins to engage in a dialogue with the dreams and aspirations we hold as a society. / Master of Architecture

Because of perceived deficiencies in the state of the practice of designing escalators and moving walkways, a microsimulation-based model of pedestrian behavior in these moving belt systems was created. In addition to implementing walking and stair climbing capabilities from existing pedestrian flow literature, the model utilized following behavior and lane change decision logic taken form studies performed in the field of automotive traffic flow theory. By combining research from these two normally independent fields with moving belt operational characteristics, a solid framework for the simulation was created. The model was then validated by comparing its operation to real world behaviors and performance metrics found in the literature in order to verify that the simulation matched the choices made by actual pedestrians. Once this crucial function had been completed, the model could finally be used in its original purpose of determining the capacity of a belt under region-specific input parameters. This paper also discusses other applications for which the model is suitable, including performing sensitivity analysis of both existing and proposed belt systems, analyzing the impacts of operational rule sets on the performance of escalators and moving walkways, and analyzing the effect of queue growth on the storage area needed for pedestrians in an ambulatory facility. Through the use of this model and the logic contained within it, engineers and planners will be able to gain a more accurate understanding of pedestrian flow on moving belts. The result of this increased understanding will be more effective and more efficient transportation systems. / Master of Science

The Pedestrian is compromised in the majority of our built landscapes. Today's dominant fixture is the automobile. Pedestrian and automobile efficiency are in direct competition with each other; to facilitate one is to inhibit the other. Pedestrian functionality depends on the presence of walkable destinations, commonly referred to as multi-use areas. Pedestrian functionality is an important issue because sprawl, the current development norm, is reaching the physical limits of the countryside. Density is the positive alternative to issues we encounter as a result of low density such as increased runoff, pollution, congestion, obesity, physical inactivity, and road rage. â The alternative to sprawl is simple and timely: neighborhoods of housing, parks and schools placed within walking distance of shops, civic services, jobs and transit — a modern version of the traditional town.â 1 Improving pedestrian functionality has the ability to impact multiple aspects of our lives and improve the quality of life we experience. â We need communities that are occupied full time and that provide a world of opportunity for kids, communities that support women and men in their efforts to weave together an ever more complex life of home and work.â 2 1 Calthorpe, Peter, p. 16 2 Duany, Andres, p. 25 / Master of Landscape Architecture

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / Transport Policy and Planning / Master / Master of Arts

published_or_final_version / abstract / Geography / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning and Design / Master / Master of Urban Design